Understanding Difference Is Not About Giving “Special Rights”

As part of the “Law from a Feminist Perspective” training, participants discussed the rights of LGBTIQ people, discrimination, and the broader social and cultural environment through the lens of substantive equality.

The discussion emphasised that human diversity is not a “special” issue, but a natural part of human life. Differences between people should never become a reason to restrict someone’s rights, opportunities, or participation.

However, depending on how society understands and responds to diversity, some people may face greater barriers, misunderstanding, and discrimination in their everyday lives. Participants discussed how, even where legal protections exist, weak implementation, limited awareness of available remedies, and a lack of appropriate support and services—particularly in local areas—can make it difficult for people to seek protection or speak out.

The session highlighted that laws alone are not sufficient to protect human rights. Courts, law enforcement agencies, the media, educational institutions, service providers, and individuals all have a role to play through informed, responsible, and rights-based attitudes and actions.

Human rights are not about eliminating differences. Rather, they are about ensuring that a person’s differences do not become a reason to limit their rights, opportunities, or participation in society.

The session was facilitated by E. Enkhmaa, Executive Director of the LGBT Centre.

The “Law from a Feminist Perspective” training is implemented with the support of the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD).